The $113.6 million sale of First Solar’s Mesa manufacturing facility to Apple, brokered by Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona, Inc., has been named 2013 Economic Development Deal of the Year by Business Facilities magazine.

“Our Deal of the Year Gold Award winner is a game-changer for Apple and Arizona,” said Business Facilities Editor in Chief Jack Rogers. “Arizona’s team moved quickly to put together an attractive package that put the Mesa site front and center as Apple considered locations for its renewed commitment to U.S. manufacturing.

“This deal puts Greater Phoenix on the map as a leading high-tech hub,” Rogers said.

The deal for the 1.3-million-square-foot manufacturing plant was negotiated by Michael White and Jim Wilson of Cushman & Wakefield. The two were honored Feb. 26 at the 9th annual RED Awards as the Top Industrial Team of the Year, spurred by the First Solar/Apple deal. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) submitted the transaction to Business Facilities magazine.

GPEC President and CEO Barry Broome told the publication he expects the development “to draw other high-tech enterprises in the area.”

Business Facilities magazine is a national publication that covers corporate site selections.

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